Ilia Topuria He is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC
Less than five weeks away UFC 317, scheduled for June 28, the decision to Ilia Topuria breaking with his coaching team has sparked debate among experts. In an analysis on the 'Weighing In' podcast, the former UFC fighter Josh thomson raised concerns about how the sudden change could influence the Georgian's performance in the lightweight title fight against Charles of the Bronx.
According to Thomson, breaking with the established routine can be a critical factor and can lead to his 'worst performance' inside the UFC octagon.
See too
“What you end up losing is the routine. It won’t be the same. And that’s essential for anyone who wants to be the best in the world. This interruption could have an impact on the Octagon. If Topuria seems more vulnerable than ever, it will be in this fight, precisely because everything is new,” said the former Strikeforce champion, who shared the microphone with legendary referee ‘Big’ John McCarthy on the show.
Topuria changed coaches
A technical change Topuria's split came after the fighter and his brother Aleksandre moved from Alicante to Madrid, ending a years-long partnership with coaches Jorge and Agustín Climent of the 'Climent Club' gym. The split, described as amicable by both parties, was motivated by geographical distance, as detailed by Spanish newspaper Marca.
The Georgian's new team includes his brother Aleksandre, striking coach Javi Climent (no relation to the former coaches) and jiu-jitsu specialists Mani Tavanaei and Mathias Ribeiro.
Undefeated in 16 fights and a former featherweight champion, Ilia is seeking his second belt in a different category. In the main fight of the UFC 317, he faces Charles of the Bronx for the vacant belt, considering that Islam makhachev gave up his position to move up to welterweight (up to 77kg).
You need login To comment.